Dry cleaning upsells are a lucrative opportunity to level up your business and have the potential to generate year-round, recurring revenue.
In this blog, we’ll explore how offering subscription services can transform your dry cleaning business and boost sales in ways you may not have considered.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What dry cleaning subscriptions are and why customers love them
- How subscriptions create predictable revenue for your business
- Simple ways to set up subscription plans that work
- Real success stories from dry cleaners using subscription models
- Tips for marketing your new subscription service
What Are Dry Cleaning Subscriptions?
The most profitable dry cleaning upsell is offering your customers subscriptions. Subscriptions are service plans where customers pay a set monthly fee for regular dry cleaning services. Instead of paying per item or visit, customers sign up for a package that fits their needs. For example, a basic plan might include cleaning for 10 shirts per month, while a premium plan could cover unlimited items.
According to Harvard Business Review, subscription services across all industries have grown by 200% each year since 2011, with 15% of online shoppers signing up for one or more subscription services.
Fun Fact: Consumers who sign up for subscriptions are 67% more likely to remain loyal to a business for over 3 years compared to regular customers!
Why Customers Love Subscription Services
People today are busier than ever. They love anything that makes their lives easier and more predictable. Dry cleaning subscriptions do exactly that! Here’s why customers love them:
- Convenience: Don’t worry about remembering to pay your dry cleaning bill. Subscriptions automate and handle those payments for you.
- Budget-friendly: Customers know exactly what they’ll spend each month on dry cleaning.
- Special treatment: Subscription members often feel like VIPs, with perks like free pickup and delivery or rush service.
How Subscriptions Translate to Dry Cleaning Upsells That Generate Revenue
For dry cleaning business owners like yourself, the benefits of offering dry cleaning subscriptions are huge. The biggest win? Steady, predictable cash flow.
When customers sign up for monthly plans, you know exactly how much money is coming in each month. This makes planning easier for:
- Staffing needs
- Supply ordering
- Cash flow management
- Business expansion
Subscription-based services generally achieve retention rates of 40%–45%, which is notably higher than the average retention rates in many traditional industries.
Subscription Plan Options That Work
Creating successful dry cleaning subscriptions doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is an example of a subscription model that has found success:
Subscription Tiers
Price | Offer | Description |
75.00 | 2 bags / Month | Great for Singles |
140.00 | 4 bags / Month | High Volume Singles |
300.00 | 9 bags / Month | Frequent Small Loads |
130.00 | 2 Totes / Month | Excellent for Couples |
230.00 | 4 Totes / Month | Family Friendly |
330.00 | 6 Totes / Month | Large and Active Families |
420.00 | 8 Totes / Month | XL and Active Families |
500.00 | 10 Totes / Month | Don’t Want To Do Laundry! |
585.00 | 12 Totes /Month | Life is Good |
The subscription e-commerce market is expected to grow from 326 billion in 2024 to $539 billion in 2025.
Success Stories: Real Businesses Using Dry Cleaning Subscriptions
Let’s look at some real-world examples of dry cleaners who have boosted their sales with dry cleaning upsell subscriptions:
Dublin Cleaners utilizes a service called “Fluff and Fold” using a subscription based model to wash, dry and fold clothes for customers. Using Spot software to streamline the process ensures their subscription service runs efficiently.
Pride Cleaners uses a handy series of questions that allows the customer to determine what’s the best subscription option for their needs. They offer bronze, silver and gold memberships with discounts.
Setting Up Your Dry Cleaning Subscription Service
Starting a subscription program doesn’t require fancy technology. Here’s how to get started:
- Start simple: Begin with just 2-3 subscription tiers to test what works.
- Use tools you have: Specialized dry cleaning software like Spot already have subscription options and Clearent Payments built in.
- Create clear terms: Make sure customers understand exactly what they’re getting and any limits on their plan.
- Make signing up easy: Offer both online and in-store signup options.
Subscriptions with Spot
Subscriptions can be automatically set up using Spot. They can be sold in-store or through configured Subscriptions through your MDCM or CustomerConnect. See the CustomerConnect Mobile and CustomerConnect pages for more information.
With Spot your business can:
- View customer subscriptions at a glance
- Process a subscription order
- Run reports to view sales history
The Ultimate Dry Cleaning Upsell: Marketing Your Subscriptions
Upselling with great subscription plans is only helpful if customers know about them! Here are ways to spread the word:
In-Store Promotion
- Train staff to mention subscriptions to regular customers
- Put up eye-catching signs about your subscription options
- Add subscription info to receipts
- Offer a free trial month to your best customers
Digital Marketing
- Email your customer list with subscription details
- Create social media posts highlighting the convenience factor
- Run targeted local ads on Facebook or Instagram
- Update your Google Business profile to mention subscriptions
Fun Fact: Customers who subscribe to services spend on average 60% more per year than non-subscription customers on additional services from the same business!
Overcoming Customer Hesitation
Some customers might be unsure about committing to dry cleaning subscriptions. Here’s how to address their concerns:
- Offer a trial period: Let customers try the subscription for one month with no commitment.
- Make cancellation easy: When customers know they can cancel anytime, they’re more likely to sign up.
- Show the savings: Create a simple chart showing how much they’ll save with a subscription versus pay-per-item.
- Guarantee satisfaction: If they’re not happy with the service, offer to make it right or refund their money.
Measuring Your Subscription Success
Once you launch your dry cleaning subscriptions, you’ll want to track how they’re performing. Keep an eye on:
- Number of subscribers
- Monthly recurring revenue
- Subscriber retention rate
- Average subscription length
- Customer satisfaction ratings
According to a report by KPMG, businesses that regularly review subscription metrics and make adjustments based on data see 27% higher profitability from their subscription products.
Ready to get started? The team at Xplor Spot Dry Cleaning Software is here to help you set up and manage your new subscription service with ease. Book your FREE personalized demo today!
Boost Sales with Dry Cleaning Upsell Subscriptions
Dry cleaning upsell subscriptions have proven to be a powerful way for dry cleaning businesses to increase sales, create reliable revenue, and build stronger customer relationships. By offering the convenience and predictability that today’s consumers crave, you can take your business to new heights of success.
As you consider implementing subscriptions in your dry cleaning business, remember these key takeaways:
- Subscriptions create predictable, recurring revenue you can count on
- Customers love the convenience and special treatment of being subscribers
- Start simple with just a few subscription tiers to test what works
- Use digital tools to manage subscriptions easily
- Market your new service both in-store and online
- Track your results and adjust as needed
With the right approach, dry cleaning upsell subscriptions can transform your business from unpredictable peaks and valleys to steady, growing success!
by Tom Talbot Content Marketing Specialist II
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First published: June 12 2025
Written by: Tom Talbot